Shutdown closes Big Oaks refuge

Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge near Madison closed Tuesday because of the federal government shutdown and the "lapse in appropriated funds."

The 50,000-acre nature preserve, which is controlled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has closed to the public until further notice, the U.S. Department of the Interior's website said. All activities - including hunting and fishing activities on the public lands - will be canceled until the government reopens, the website said.

The federal government shutdown also affected the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge located east of Seymour.

State-funded parks and recreational facilities like Clifty Falls State Park in Madison and General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton, Ky., will remain open and will not be affected by the federal government shutdown that began Tuesday.

Clifty Falls State Park managers said the office has fielded several calls from visitors worried that the park would close because of the current federal budget issues.

The federal shutdown has closed all protected national parks - such as Yosemite and Yellowstone.

Clifty Falls operates off state dollars and is not dependent on federal funding.

The park now has free admission on Monday through Wednesday, with regular admission prices on Thursday through Sunday.

General Butler State Resort Park and all other Kentucky State Parks also will remain open during regular business hours for visitors.